Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.


Take a drive to see some over-the-top houses, including this one on Elm Avenue in Coram. Photo courtesy of the homeowner

Christmas and Holiday Break Ideas for Long Island Families

1. Tour the Neighborhood

Throw the kids in the car, pack some snacks, and hit the road to visit some of these spectacular home holiday light displays before they go dark.

2. Walk in a Winter Wonderland

Visit Bayville Winter Wonderland to meet Santa, ride the holiday train, enjoy some arts and crafts, and check out the arctic skating rink. There is also a Christmas tree forest, axe throwing (dads will dig this!), and rock climbing. Most attractions are outdoors.

3. See Some Magic

Gawk at the Magic of Lights drive-thru spectacular at Jones Beach.

4. Then Drive Through More 

See the dazzling lights, amazing vignettes, and holiday scenes at the Smith Point Light Show, a 1.5-mile trail of lights put on by the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County.

RELATED: Must-Do Holiday Events and Christmas Light Drive-Thrus on Long Island

Take a special photo with Santa at Waterdrinker Farm's Winter Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the farm

5. Visit With Santa

Schedule a time to get your last-minute gift requests in and snap a picture with Santa before he flies off for final Christmas preparations.

6. Surround Yourself in Christmas

Immerse yourself in the Christmas season at The Christmas House, an interactive walk-through experience where guests explore a Christmas-themed wonderland.

7. Celebrate With Sharks 

Ring in the new year with Long Island Aquarium's Fishes & Wishes party, where adults and kids enjoy a DJ, buffet dinner, and unique animal encounters.

8. Slide into 2023

Explore one of the many destination-worthy playgrounds on Long Island.  

9. Enjoy a Holiday Meal

Peruse the holiday village and shops, then have dinner at Milleridge Inn.

RELATED: Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Lights Shows on Long Island

Westbury Gardens is aglow during its annual Shimmering Solstice light display. Photo courtesy of the gardens

10. Celebrate Winter Solstice

Westbury Gardens is illuminated during Shimmering Solstice, a special light display running through Sunday, January 1, 2023.

11. Catch a Movie

Movie theaters have lots of family-friendly films that hit the big screen this season. Kids will love Lyle Lyle Crocodile, which stars Shawn Mendes and is based on the best-selling book. 

12. Explore Nature

Get up close with nature at one of these local nature centers.

13. Root for the Islanders

Check out the UBS Arena and cheer on the Islanders at one of their scheduled home games over the break. 

14. See a Live Show on Long Island

A Christmas Story and The Happy Elf are all being performed on Long Island stages.

RELATED: Guide to Holiday and Christma Events for Long Island Families

From Tudor Queens to pop icons, the wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a celebration of 21st-century girl power. Photo courtesy of the production

15. Or in the City

There are many kid-friendly shows on Broadway. Check out the window displays while on your way to the theater.

16. Blast Off or Take Flight

Check out the Cradle of Aviation Museum, which includes its popular Family Movie Nights.

17. Roll a Strike

If you're looking for a little indoor fun for the family, hit the lanes...the bowling lanes, that is, at these alleys in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

18. Have a Sip

Brrrr, baby, it's cold outside. Warm up with some of the best hot cocoa spots on Long Island.

RELATED: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities for Long Island Kids

Sharpen your skates and take a glide at Christopher Morley Park or another outdoor rink. Photo by LMRose Photography

19. Lace Up

Grab your skates and hit the ice at these wonderful outdoor rinks.

20. Hit Up the Arcade

Rack up the tickets and beat some high scores at one of Long Island's arcades.

21. Bounce Around

Let the kids blow off some energy at an indoor trampoline park or play space. 

22. Go to the Gold Coast

Explore the North Shore from Port Washington to Port Jefferson.

23. Walk the Beach

 Go for a stunning winter beach walk along our picturesque shorelines.

RELATED: Toys for Tots Donation Spots on Long Island and More Places to Donate Toys

Nothing beats a trip to Manhattan to see the famous Rockefeller Center tree. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

24. See the Tree

Day trip into NYC to check out the Rockefeller Center tree or visit the Winter Village at Bryant Park.

25. Hit the Slopes

Head off to a nearby family-friendly ski mountain to beat the cabin fever.

26. Escape the Island

Book a weekend getaway to one of our favorite nearby winter destinations.

27. Go Snow Tubing

Bundle up and take a day trip to a nearby snow tubing spot.

RELATED: Christmas in New York: 49 Holiday Activities To Do in NYC Before Your Kids Grow Up

Spend a winter day in the tropics at Great Wolf Lodge's indoor water park. Photo courtesy of the lodge 

28. Go for a Swim

Pretend it's summer and splash away at these indoor water parks.

29. Cross the Sound

Spend a day on the other side of the Long Island Sound exploring Mystic, Connecticut.

30. Check off Some Bucket List Items

Attempt a few of our top 100 things to do on Long Island with kids.

This article was originally posted in 2017. It was updated in December 2022.